The Glen Carlou Collection new wine releases
A collection of extraordinary wines made from exceptional parcels of fruit sourced from site-specific vineyards obtained by our winemaker and viticulturist.
The Collection wines show how we delight in doing the ordinary, extraordinarily well. These limited releases have unique characteristics from either a viticultural application, focussing on small blocks with limited yields, or have distinctive winemaking features with small-batch guiding of the wine in our cellar. These are truly exceptional and honest expressions of single varietal bottlings.
Limited quantities of these wines mean you do not want to wait to acquire them. Once they are gone, that is it. Don’t miss out!
In this Collection release, we have three spectacular single varietal white wines.
The Glen Carlou Collection Chenin Blanc 2019
Made from 50-year-old bush vine fruit grown under dryland conditions in the Swartland, this splendid wine was barrel fermented in 2nd fill French oak for 3 months. The grapes fermented naturally and only 3900 bottles were produced from the 2019 vintage.
Johnnie’s tasting notes for this wine are “layered aromas of stone fruit, cashew nuts, jasmine, and marzipan abound on the nose. Initially, shy the wine opens up considerably. A rich and full-bodied mouthfeel leads to an extended aftertaste with hints of tangerine and mandarin fruits. I am delighted that the wine was awarded 94 points by Tim Atkin MW in his South Africa Report 2019.”
John Platter 2020 – 4 stars
The Glen Carlou Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Only 2180 bottles were produced from a Single Vineyard, dry land bush vine block in the Groenekloof ward of Darling. A single Nomblot clay cement tank was used for the fermentation process which allowed the wine to remain in contact with its lees for three months. Over this time the elegant attributes of Darling’s terroir developed slowly.
“Classic Sauvignon Blanc complexity with green fig floral pear drop notes and a hint of cut grass on the nose, follow through seamlessly to the full textured palate. The silky feeling of the beautifully balanced mouthfeel is complemented by a line of natural acidity and a long aftertaste. I would suggest you enjoy the wine now, however it will be suitable to age for up to five years.”
John Platter 2020 – 4.5 stars
Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2019 – 92 points
The Glen Carlou Collection Verdelho 2019
Fruit from a small vineyard block was hand-harvested, gently pressed and allowed to ferment naturally in 2nd fill French oak barriques. The wine was kept on its gross lees for 12 months. Only 6 barrels were produced from this vintage resulting in 1680 barrels.
Johnnie suggests this wine is suitable for aging up to five years from vintage if cellared under optimal conditions. “The wine opens up with light floral notes and mango and citrus aromatics. The finish is long and with a more complex texture than most white wines. Verdelho is an ideal food wine. This white wine grape is widely grown in Portugal and mostly associated with the island of Madeira. This is a significant and complex wine with remarkable versatility.”
John Platter 2020 – 4 stars
Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2019 – 91 points
* Please note that these wines are exclusively available to Glen Carlou Societi Members, remember to sign in to your account to access these wines from the wine menu. Not yet a member, sign up now.